AIR VIGILANCE (AV)

The Air Vigilance (AV) program is a key Army initiative under the Communications and Electronics Equipment procurement portfolio, specifically within the Electronic Warfare (EW) subcategory. The primary goal of the AV program is to enhance the Army's ability to collect, process, and disseminate critical intelligence data on emerging threat systems. This capability supports early warning of enemy operations, thereby improving force protection and situational awareness for Army units. The AV system is a software-intensive Automated Information System (AIS) that integrates specialized hardware, including servers and a network of sensors, to fulfill its mission objectives.

The AV program is managed and fielded primarily to the Army's Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) Military Intelligence Brigades. The original Basis of Issue Plan (BOIP) called for the deployment of servers and sensors in various configurations. As of December 2021, the BOIP was updated to include additional sensors, reflecting procurement to meet urgent operational needs, such as those identified in Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statements (JUONS).

A significant objective of the AV program is the phased modernization and expansion of its sensor fleet through Capability Drops (CDs). The program has progressed through multiple CDs, each introducing new capabilities or hardware improvements. Capability Drop 4 (CD4) will develop a transportable variant of the system, intended to reduce operational risk and inform future increments for the Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). The AV program also incorporates Pre-Planned Product Improvements (P3I), such as the deployment of updated sensor versions and technology refreshes for existing sensors, to ensure the system remains effective against evolving threats.

Procurement of updated sensors is a central focus of the FY 2026 budget request. The Army plans to acquire new systems, provide fielding and new equipment training for these units, and implement hardware upgrades for both current and future configurations. These enhancements are designed to increase detection capabilities, improve system reliability, and maintain technological parity with potential adversaries. Integration of new capabilities into the CD4 transportable variant is also a key objective, supporting the Army's broader modernization strategy.

In addition to discretionary procurement, the FY 2026 request includes mandatory funding for classified initiatives. This includes the acquisition of expeditionary kits, which are detailed in classified budget justification materials. These kits are intended to further augment the Army's expeditionary electronic warfare and intelligence collection capabilities, although specific details remain classified for operational security reasons.

The AV program's procurement strategy emphasizes lifecycle support and continuous improvement. The TENCAP plan calls for the upgrade or replacement of all existing sensors with P3I enhancements or one-for-one replacements with updated units, as funding allows. This approach ensures that the Army's sensor network remains adaptable and resilient in the face of rapidly changing threat environments. Fielding and new equipment training are integral components of each procurement cycle, ensuring that Army personnel are prepared to operate and maintain the latest AV systems effectively.